BWiFF will be presenting its 15th festival at the Classic Cinemas Elk Grove XQ, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, from April 27-May 6, 2025.

Every year, the festival exhibits over 30 films from around the globe that compete for a variety of awards that range in genre, production, performance, and audience categories. Each film selected for exhibition and competition is screened in one theater over the course of the festival. Judges experience each film for the first time along with the audience. During the festival's week-long run, filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in QandA's moderated by a festival judge and any potential filmmaker panels. Each accepted filmmaker will receive two (2) festival passes.

Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival continues to build a reputation for exhibiting rare and compelling independent films while bridging the gap between the film-goer and the filmmaker.

Schedule of Events:

April 27, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: An Autumn Summer + Short Selections

Feature Narrative
Director: Jared Isaac
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

In a magical lake town, one couple and four best friends spend the final month before college chasing an endless summer.

Preceded by

Get Your Line In and Pray
Short Documentary
Director: Jackson Adams
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Every January, 10,000 people descend on Brainerd, Minnesota to compete in the world's largest charitable ice fishing competition. The event impacts nearly every aspect of life in the area for days on end, but perhaps none more than the local bait shop, owned and operated by self-described "crabby old lady" Sherree Wictor. With intimate knowledge of the culture, history, and eccentric clientele the competition brings, Sheree offers her personal opinion of what makes it special - and how to win it.

The Seas Between Us
Short Narrative
Director: Faisal Lutchmedial
Country of Origin: Canada
Language: English

In the mid 1960s, a young girl who has never seen anything but rural Trinidad has her eyes opened to the world when her adventurous Auntie from India comes to visit.

Just Be Awesome
Short Narrative
Directors: Ed Kear, Cringo Williamson
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

With spiraling debts and a partner at the end of her tether, Alex, a mid 40s freelancer, desperately needs some work. A golden opportunity at an absurdly trendy agency offers a way out. But he's going to have to play their game if he wants to land the role.

April 28, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Battersea + Short Selections

Battersea
Feature Narrative
Directors: T.J. Sandella, John Anthony
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Estranged siblings reconvene at their childhood home, where they spend a precarious weekend drinking and talking–uncovering the narratives and secrets that have shaped their lives.

Preceded by

Telekinetik
Music Video
Director: George Cederquist
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A surreal, moody 10-minute "hip-hopera" about an aspiring vigilante being tormented by a shaman. To tell the story of civilian justice and the violence it leaves in its wake, classically trained Khary Laurent switches between hip hop bars to operatic vocals.

When Everything Was Blue
Short Narrative
Director: Christina Chironna
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A heartfelt drama that unfolds through the intimate lens of a home video camera. It tells the story of Luke, a firefighter, and his family, as they navigate the heartbreaking aftermath of September 11th. Capturing the family's everyday moments, juxtaposed against the backdrop of Luke's declining health due to 9/11-related illnesses, the film immerses us in the love, grief, and strength of a family as they confront a system that chooses to ignore the ongoing challenges of a tragedy that continues to shape their lives.

Shouting at the Sea
Short Narrative
Director: Bengamin Verrall
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

After years apart, Joe and Katherine reunite in the seaside town where they grew up. As they reconnect, they unravel who they've become, finally confronting the unresolved conversation that tore them apart. Although time has changed them, the bond they formed as teenagers holds them together. Observing their journey, the sea itself narrates a tale of memory, belonging, and the fragile beauty of human connection.

April 29, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: The Pantone Guy + Short Selections

The Pantone Guy
Feature Documentary
Director: Patrick Creadon
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

At 96 years old, Larry Herbert, known as "The Pantone Guy," is a visionary whose revolutionary idea to standardize color remains largely unrecognized. Growing up in Depression-era Brooklyn, Larry entered the print and manufacturing trade during a time when color was a chaotic and subjective experience. He channeled his unique vision into creating the Pantone Matching System-a groundbreaking invention that established a universal language for color, profoundly enhancing artistic expression and commercial production across all industries. Directed by Patrick Creadon (Wordplay, Hesburgh), this compelling documentary features an exclusive interview with Larry himself, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind behind Pantone and his enduring impact on how we perceive and use color today.

Preceded by

Triskaidekaphobe
Music Video
Director: Nick Rohr
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Life is full of terrifying peril and dazzling distractions for a lone mosquito just trying to find its place in the world. Music video for the song "Triskaidekaphobe" by Graphics.

CascadesNo Virtual Option Available
Short Narrative
Director: Brian Russell
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A couple walks towards a crossroads on the day of their 30th wedding anniversary. Marcus and Denise have been happily married for 30 years. Well, almost happily married. Can they overcome the one thing that just might tear them apart? They both love Danny, but what happens when parents have radically different takes on what it means to love an adult child? What does it mean to let go of our children?

Audio Description
Short Narrative
Director: Luke J. Salewski
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

After making a wish on his birthday, a lonely visually impaired man finds his world turned upside down by an unexpected encounter.

Water Baby
Short Narrative
Director: Pilar Boehm
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A lonely basketball influencer struggles with competition and building his brand. Ignacio's position as the "face" of his league is upended by the arrival of an alluring new draftee. Lust, fashion, and social media technology drive this exploration of obsession, stalking, and status.

April 30, 2025

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Discovering Catharine

Discovering Catharine
Feature Documentary
Director: Susan Hope Engel
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

BWiFF 2025 Beyond Presentation

Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century women's suffrage movement, the Discovering Catharine explores McCulloch's trailblazing career as one of the first female attorneys in the U.S. and her relentless fight for women's equality, particularly in the legal and political arenas. Through archival footage, expert interviews, and personal stories, the documentary sheds light on McCulloch's contributions to securing women's right to vote and her enduring impact on modern women's rights movements.

May 1, 2025

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Shiners: Voices from Owsley County

Shiners: Voices from Owsley County
Feature Documentary
Director: Seth McClellan
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

BWiFF 2025 Beyond Presentation

Along with stunning original and traditional music, high school students write and perform a play about growing up in rural Appalachia. While overcoming problems of addiction in one of the nation's poorest counties, the inspiring students travel from their small town to Kentucky's high school theater competition. The hearts and voices of the young people at Owsley County High School in eastern Kentucky shine as they share their story.

May 3, 2025

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Eugene O'Neill's The First Man

Eugene O'Neill's The First Man
Feature Narrative
Director: Hardeep Giani
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

BWiFF 2025 Beyond Presentation

World renowned anthropologist Curtis is consumed by grief over his young daughters' deaths. He finds solace in immersing himself in preparations for his upcoming expedition to Asia, where he aims to unravel the mystery of "The First Man." However, he must confront an undercurrent of family conflict as he battles against his relatives' unsettling suspicions that his wife Martha is carrying his best friend Bigelow's child.

May 4, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Segal + Short Selections

Segal
Feature Documentary
Directors: Vernon Alfredo Davidson, Ryan Krayser
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A legendary entertainer shares his life story, from a shy kid from Great Neck, Long Island to a sought-after leading man during Hollywood's most prolific decades.

Preceded by

Why
Music Video
Director: Ralph Klisiewicz
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A small boy living in poverty becomes homeless. He is then discovered by a gang member who recruits him. The boy becomes an assassin for the gang. When a shoot out leaves a young and innocent victim dead, the gang resolve to eliminate the problem by killing one of their own.

The Therapy Room
Short Narrative
Directors: Justin Schaack, Kristin Schaack
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A mistake when booking a family therapy session brings new tensions and solutions in bringing a family closer together.

Flush
Short Narrative
Director: Matt Gaynes
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Struggling to find balance between coping with his own grief and the responsibilities of single-fatherhood, recently-widowed Marty's composure is put to the test when he tries to shield his 7-year-old daughter, Claire, from yet another loss: the death of her pet goldfish.

May 5, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Never Not Yours + Short Selections

Never Not Yours
Feature Narrative
Directors: John Klein, Stephen Kniss
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

30ish siblings Michael, Ellie, and James drive to their family cabin to visit their parents Jonathan and Maddie. But when their mom and dad unexpectedly announce their divorce, chaos ensues.Preceded by

Smoothie
Short Narrative
Director: Chris M. Churchill
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A middle-aged stay at home dad is confronted by his daughter's best friend about a recent infidelity.

Sally, Get the Potatoes
Short Narrative
Director: Danicah Waldo
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A little girl's innocence is shattered when she takes an unexpected ride in her wealthy family's rolling laundry cart and learns their dark secrets.

Nothing Safer
Short Documentary
Director: Cynthia Cazanas Garin
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Incarcerated women in the Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program, gain skills, self-esteem, and income by training dogs from all backgrounds. Launched in 2002 by Colorado Correctional Industries, the program benefits both inmates and children with serious medical conditions by providing trained dogs and preparing inmates for life after prison. It also gives dogs a second chance as a perfect marriage of ideas – saving humans through saving dogs.

May 6, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Dawn Dusk + Short Selections

Dawn Dusk
Feature Documentary
Directors: Blue Gerber, Jason Gerber
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Chelli Look, an artist and designer specializing in handbags, faces overwhelming grief after the murder of her sister by her brother in law. In the years that follow, Chelli journeys towards healing, faces emotional setbacks, and moves on from creating out of pain, to make space for deeper restoration. Reconciling her healing with her future as an artist, Chelli has an unexpected revelation that leads her to close her business and brand, and look to a new "pink in the sky."

Preceded by

Allure
Short Narrative
Directors: Jerry van de Beek, Betsy De Fries
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A junior astronaut fulfills a dream of going to the moon. Once there, exhilaration gives way to reality. But what has been left behind? Created in a colorful, prismatic, 2D graphic style with a haunting soundtrack that echoes with loneliness.

The Deep Rolling: Magma
Music Video
Director: Robin Scovill
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

When an explosive Detroit jazz sextet begins rehearsing in a desolate industrial lounge, their music awakens iconic producer Warren Defever from a transcendental hibernation and, guided by unseen forces, he drives his classic Ford to where they are playing, and utilizing vintage gear and old school recording techniques, captures and inspires-live on tape-the band's virtuoso, unrivaled performance.

Gillyfish
Short Narrative
Director: Sarah Sellman
Country of Origin: Ireland
Language: English

When Gillian takes on her partner's identity to confront their father, she finds a connection she didn't expect in the strange exchange she has with him. A short about healing by proxy, and stepping into new identities.

Back of the Net
Short Narrative
Director: Klara Kaliger
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

Maya, a passionate aspiring young footballer, is torn between her final shot at going professional and caring for the person who first inspired her pursuit of this dream, her grandmother Maggie. Although Maggie was once a skilled footballer of her day, that part of Maggie's memory is fracturing, due to her dementia. Meanwhile, Maya's commitment to training pulls her further away from her grandmother, until she is forced to make one final decision that could risk it all.

May 10, 2025

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Stampila

Stampila
Feature Narrative
Director: David Larson
Country of Origin: Republic of Moldova
Language: English, Romanian

BWiFF 2025 Beyond Presentation

A middle-aged woman plots to overthrow an unelected oligarch controlling her tiny country. Using only her intelligence and a stolen government stamp, she must outsmart the oligarch and his team of American political consultants.

May 12, 2025

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Traumnovelle

Feature Narrative
Director: Florian Frerichs
Country of Origin: Germany
Language: English

BWiFF 2025 Beyond Presentation

A colorful adaptation of Schnitzler's work, in which a woman tells her husband that she has fantasies with other people, triggering his desire for his own adventures. Set in modern kinky Berlin, the film is much more than a mere reboot of Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut".

May 13, 2025

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Taste the Revolution

Feature Narrative
Director: Daniel Klein
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

BWiFF 2025 Beyond Presentation

Two aspiring filmmakers chronicle the story of a charismatic revolutionary, Mac Laslow (Oscar®-Winner Mahershala Ali), and the group of disillusioned college students that are drawn together one summer to change the world. But without a unifying direction or clear goals, the movement descends into chaos.

May 14, 2025

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Blue Glass Awards

Tune-in on Wednesday, May 14 at 7pm/c for the 2025 Blue Glass Awards, where the festival judges will announce the winners of the 15th annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival!

Date:
April 27 - May 6, 2025

Location:
various Venues in Elk Grove Village, IL

Click here for more information